Water-Saving Toilets and Methods of Using the Same

ABSTRACT

A method of operating a toilet includes: (1) providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; (c) a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein the flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode; (2) optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flush mode; and (3) flushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed generally to toilets and theoperation of toilets, and more particularly to water-saving toilets andthe operation of water-saving toilets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally accepted estimates conclude that 30% of a typical household'swater use comes from flushing toilets, making toilets the single largestuser of water in the home. Increased population densities strain watersupply and treatment, and water conservation is a serious concern.

Prior to a 1992 U.S. federal law mandate, a typical toilet used 3.5 to 6gallons (13 to 23 liters) per flush. As a result of that law, toiletsmanufactured after that date use no more than 1.6 gallons (6 liters) perflush. In an attempt to improve efficiency further, manufacturers havedeveloped high-efficiency toilets that use approximately 1.3 gallons (5liters) per flush. Although these measures are steps in the rightdirection with regard to water conservation, further improvements can bemade.

A toilet typically flushes the same volume of water (e.g., 1.6 gallons)from a tank to a bowl after each use. This single, relatively highvolume of water is suitable for disposing of solid waste. Also, acertain amount of this volume is used to fill the bowl for subsequentuse. As such, the toilet bowl typically fills with a predetermined levelof water after the toilet has been flushed. This predetermined waterlevel is suitable for receiving solid waste; that is, the relativelyhigh water level serves to minimize odor and/or soiling of the bowl thatmay accompany solid waste.

However, a lower than typical flush volume can generally be employed todispose of liquid waste. Likewise, the bowl can generally be filled witha lower than typical water level to receive liquid waste. For example, avolume of less than 0.5 gallons (2 liters) of water is needed to disposeof liquid waste and refill the bowl to a level sufficient to form a sealto prevent sewer gases from the habitable environment. Also, generallyaccepted estimates conclude that four out of five toilet uses are forliquid waste, with only one out of five uses for solid waste. Therefore,a particular toilet wastes water after approximately four out of fiveuses.

Dual flush toilets have been described in, for example, U.S. Pat. No.4,096,591 to Awis, U.S. Pat. No. 4,172,299 to del Pozo, U.S. Pat. No.5,067,180 to Figeroid, U.S. Pat. No. 6,775,859 to Gorginians, and U.S.Pat. No. 7,200,877 to Peng. These designs include various mechanisms tocontrol the amount of water flushed from the tank to the bowl. Forexample, a “full flush” may be used to dispose of solid waste and a“limited flush” may be used to dispose of liquid waste. However, thesedesigns do not address the need to flow a limited amount of water intothe bowl or to otherwise control the water level in the bowl. They alsodo not appear to default to a “limited flush” appropriate for themajority of toilet uses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing, water-saving toilets and methods of using thesame are provided. As a first aspect, embodiments of the presentinvention are directed to a method of operating a toilet. The methodincludes: (1) providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tankhaving first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume of water isflushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein asecond volume of water greater than the first volume of water is flushedfrom the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) a flush modemechanism for selecting between the first and second flush modes of thetank, wherein the mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flushmode; (2) optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select thesecond flush mode; and (3) flushing either the first volume of water orthe second volume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to theselected flush mode.

In some embodiments, the bowl defines first and second water levels,wherein the second water level is higher than the first water level. Thetoilet may include a bowl water level mechanism for selecting betweenthe first and second water levels in the bowl, and the bowl water levelmechanism may be biased toward selecting the first water level. In someembodiments, the method further includes optionally actuating the bowlwater level mechanism to select the second water level in the bowl atsubstantially the same time as optionally actuating the flush modemechanism. In some embodiments, the bowl water level mechanism isconfigured to be actuated by a first actuator and the flush modemechanism is configured to be actuated by a second actuator that isdifferent than the first actuator. In some embodiments, the bowl waterlevel and flush mode mechanisms are actuated by a common actuator. Thecommon actuator may be configured to be actuated in a first manner and asecond manner that is different than the first manner, wherein actuatingthe bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanisminclude actuating the actuator in the first manner, and wherein flushingeither the first volume of water or the second volume of water includesactuating the actuator in the second manner. The common actuator may beconfigured to be actuated in first and second opposite directions,wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flushmode mechanism include actuating the actuator in the first direction,and wherein flushing either the first or the second volume of waterincludes actuating the actuator in the second direction. The commonactuator may be a handle pivotable in first and second oppositedirections, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism andactuating the flush mode mechanism include pivoting the handle in thefirst direction, and wherein flushing either the first or the secondvolume of water includes pivoting the handle in the second direction.

As a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed toan alternative method of operating a toilet. The method includes: (1)providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl defining first and second waterlevels, wherein the first water level is suitable for receiving liquidwaste and the second water level is higher than the first water leveland suitable for receiving solid waste; (b) a tank having first andsecond flush modes, wherein a first volume of water suitable fordisposing of liquid waste is flushed from the tank to the bowl in thefirst flush mode, and wherein a second volume of water greater than thefirst volume of water and suitable for disposing of solid waste isflushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) afirst mechanism for selecting between the first and second water levelsin the bowl and a second mechanism for selecting between the first andsecond flush modes of the tank, wherein the mechanisms are biased towardselecting the first water level and the first flush mode; (2) selectingbetween the first water level in the bowl and the second water level inthe bowl, wherein selecting the second water in the bowl includesactuating the first mechanism; (3) selecting between the first flushmode and the second flush mode, wherein selecting the second flush modeincludes actuating the second mechanism; (4) flushing either the firstvolume of water or the second volume of water from the tank to the bowlresponsive to the selected flush mode; then (5) automatically selectingthe first water level in the bowl by flowing water from the tank to thebowl; and (6) automatically selecting the first flush mode.

As a third aspect, embodiments of the present invention are directed toa toilet. The toilet includes: (1) a bowl; (2) a tank having first andsecond flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from thetank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume ofwater greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank tothe bowl in the second flush mode; (3) a flush mode mechanism forselecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, whereinthe flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flushmode, and wherein the flush mode mechanism is configured to be actuatedto select the second flush mode. The toilet is configured to flusheither the first volume of water or the second volume of water from thetank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode. In someembodiments, the first volume of water flushed from the tank to the bowlin the first flush mode is less than about 1.5 liters.

In some embodiments, the bowl defines a first water level and a secondwater level that is higher than the first water level. The toilet mayfurther include a bowl water level mechanism for selecting between thefirst and second water levels in the bowl, wherein the bowl water levelmechanism is biased toward selecting the first water level, and whereinthe bowl water level mechanism is configured to be actuated to selectthe second water level. In some embodiments, the first water levelcorresponds to a volume less than about 1 liter.

It is noted that aspects of the invention described with respect to oneembodiment may be incorporated in a different embodiment although notspecifically described relative thereto. That is, all embodiments and/orfeatures of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/orcombination. Applicant reserves the right to change any originally filedclaim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to be ableto amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporateany feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in thatmanner. These and other objects and/or aspects of the present inventionare explained in detail in the specification set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is side partial cutaway view of a toilet including a tank and abowl according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of a toilet tank according to some embodiments ofthe present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of the tank of FIG. 2including a lever, wherein the toilet is in a default position and/orprepared for a small flush.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of the lever of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of components of the tank of FIG. 2including a lever, wherein the toilet is prepared for a large flush.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are flowcharts illustrating exemplary operations of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described more particularly hereinafterwith reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is notintended to be limited to the illustrated embodiments; rather, theseembodiments are intended to fully and completely disclose the inventionto those skilled in this art. In the drawings, like numbers refer tolike elements throughout. Thicknesses and dimensions of some componentsmay be exaggerated for clarity.

Well-known functions or constructions may not be described in detail forbrevity and/or clarity.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. The terminology used in thedescription of the invention herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of theinvention. As used in the description of the invention and the appendedclaims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to includethe plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and allcombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Where used,the terms “attached,” “connected,” “interconnected,” “contacting,”“coupled,” “mounted,” “overlying” and the like can mean either direct orindirect attachment or contact between elements, unless statedotherwise.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to toilets and methodsof using the same. Referring to FIG. 1, a toilet 10 will typicallyinclude a bowl 20 in fluid communication with a tank 40. The bowl 20 candefine a plurality of water levels. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the bowl 20 defines a first water level (such as water level20A) and a second water level (such as water level 20B), with the secondwater level higher than the first water level. The first water level maybe suitable for receiving liquid waste and the second water level may besuitable for receiving solid waste. In some embodiments, the “residual”water left in the bowl after a flush may define the first water level.In some embodiments, the first water level corresponds to a volume ofwater in the bowl of less than about 1 liter.

The toilet 10 (or, in some embodiments, the tank 40) has a plurality offlush modes. A different volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 tothe bowl 20 in each flush mode. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, the toilet 10 or the tank 40 has a first flush mode, whereina first volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20, anda second flush mode, wherein a second volume of water is flushed fromthe tank 40 to the bowl 20, with the second volume of water greater thanthe first volume of water. After the toilet is flushed, the tank 40typically fills with water to a predetermined level, such as level 40Aillustrated in FIG. 1. In the first flush mode, a lesser volume of waterin the tank 40 will typically be flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl20. For example, in the first flush mode, water may be flushed from thetank 40 to the bowl 20 such that the water level in the tank 40 dropsfrom the water lever 40A to an intermediate water level 40B (FIG. 1). Incontrast, in the second flush mode, a greater volume of water in thetank 40 will typically be flushed to the bowl 20, with the greatervolume possibly equal to substantially the entire volume of water in thetank 40. For example, in the second flush mode, the water level may dropfrom water level 40A to substantially the bottom of the tank 40. Thevolume of water flushed in the first flush mode may be suitable fordisposing of liquid waste and the greater volume of water flushed in thesecond flush mode may be suitable for disposing of solid waste. In someembodiments, the volume of water flushed in the first flush mode may beless than about 2 liters, and could be less than about 1.5 liters.

At least some of the plurality of water levels defined by the bowl 20may be user-selectable and at least some of the plurality of flush modesof the toilet 10 or the tank 40 may be user-selectable. In someembodiments, the first water level is also a “default” water level. Inother words, the water level in the bowl 20 may return to the firstwater level after every toilet use (for example, the first water levelmay be automatically selected after every use). Likewise, in someembodiments, the first flush mode is also a “default” flush mode. Thus,the toilet 10 or the tank 40 may always return to the first flush modeafter every toilet use (for example, the first flush mode may beautomatically selected after every use).

In some embodiments, the bowl 20 fills with water to substantially thesame water level after every flush. For example, the bowl 20 may fill tothe water level 20A, the water level 20B, or some intermediate waterlevel after every flush. In other words, in some embodiments, although auser can select a second flush mode (for example, prior to using thetoilet for solid waste), the user does not select a second water levelor otherwise increase the water level in the bowl.

Defaulting to the first water level and/or the first flush mode canoffer several advantages. The great majority of toilet uses are forliquid waste, and the relatively low first water level and/or therelatively low volume of water associated with the first flush mode maybe sufficient to handle the liquid waste. The relatively high secondwater level and/or the relatively high volume of water associated withthe second flush mode may be excessive for receiving and/or disposing ofliquid waste, and therefore water could be wasted if this water leveland/or flush mode were employed all the time. Embodiments of the presentinvention allow a user to select the second water level and/or thesecond flush mode only before using the toilet for solid waste (or ifmore water is needed for some other reason). However, a concern is thatthe user could then forget or neglect to select the first water leveland/or the first flush mode for subsequent uses. This concern isobviated by automatically defaulting back to the first water leveland/or the first flush mode after every toilet use.

Accordingly, toilets according to some embodiments of the presentinvention can include a first or bowl water level mechanism forselecting between the first and second water levels in the bowl (or forsimply selecting the second water level). The first or bowl water levelmechanism may be biased toward selecting the first (or default) waterlevel, and the first or bowl water level mechanism may be configured tobe actuated to select the second water level. Likewise, according tosome embodiments, the toilet includes a second or flush mode mechanismfor selecting between the first and second flush modes (or for simplyselecting the second flush mode). The second or flush mode mechanism maybe biased toward selecting the first (or default) flush mode, and thesecond or flush mode mechanism may be configured to be actuated toselect the second flush mode. Either the first volume of water or thesecond volume of water can be flushed from the tank to the bowlresponsive to the selected flush mode.

The biasing of the mechanism(s) can allow the toilet to return todefault settings. For example, the biasing of the bowl water level andflush mode mechanisms can allow the toilet to return to the first(lower) bowl water level and first flush mode after every use, includingafter the second bowl water level and second flush mode have beenpreviously selected. In some embodiments, the toilet includes the flushmode mechanism, but does not necessarily include the bowl water levelmechanism. Thus, in these embodiments, the bowl may refill to the samewater level after every flush, and a user can actuate the flush modemechanism to select the second flush mode (i.e., to prepare the toiletfor a full flush).

Where used, the first (or bowl water level) and/or second (or flushmode) mechanisms may include a variety of components such as levers,rods, chains, linkages, and the like, and the first and secondmechanisms may share one or more components. The first and secondmechanisms may be actuated in a variety of ways. For example, the firstand second mechanisms may be configured to be actuated by one or moreactuators that are mechanically coupled to the mechanisms and/orelectrically coupled to the mechanisms (e.g., via one or morecontroller). Thus, the first and second mechanisms may each beconfigured to be actuated by a dedicated actuator or the First andsecond mechanisms may be configured to be actuated by a common actuator.The actuator(s) themselves may be or include one or more handles, knobs,push buttons, electrical control panels, or the like. The actuator(s)may be actuated in a number of ways. For example, the actuator(s) may bepivoted, pushed/pulled, or the like. Where a common actuator isemployed, the actuator may be configured to be actuated in a firstmanner (for example, to select the second water level and the secondflush mode) and a second, different manner (for example, to flush eitherthe first or second volume of water responsive to the selected flushmode). For example, the common actuator may be configured to be actuatedin first and second opposite directions or in first and seconddissimilar actions such as a first action of pushing or pulling and asecond action of rotation, or vice versa.

Therefore, it is contemplated that the mechanisms and actuator(s) can beconfigured in a number of different ways, and the embodiments shown inthe Figures and described below are merely exemplary. Furthermore, asunderstood by those of skill in this art, toilets generally can beconfigured and can operate in various ways, including as describedherein. It will be understood that the present invention can be adaptedto toilets having any of these well-known alternative configurations.For example, the Figures and the description below include an actuatorcomprising a handle (similar to a flush handle commonly found ontoilets) that can be pivoted in an upward direction to increase thewater level in the bowl and/or select the second flush mode and pivotedin a downward direction to flush the toilet responsive to the selectedflush mode. However, it is contemplated that the handle could beactuated in other manners; for example, the handle could be depressed toincrease the water level in the bowl and/or select the second flush modeand could be pivoted downward to flush the toilet responsive to theselected flush mode. Furthermore, as described in more detail herein,other actuators are contemplated in addition to or instead of a handlecommonly found on toilets.

Referring again to FIG. 1, a curved discharge pipe 30 is in fluidcommunication with the bowl 20 such that the contents of the bowl 20 canbe discharged via the discharge pipe 30. Water flows into the bowl 20 todefine a water level. The water level in the bowl 20 should be highenough to seal any odors which may emanate from the discharge pipe 30.

Two distinct water levels in the bowl 20 are illustrated. As describedin more detail above, the first or default water level 20A may besuitable to receive liquid waste. The second water level 20B is higherthan the first water level 20A and is suitable to receive solid waste.As will be described in more detail below, in some embodiments, a usermay select the second water level 20B to prepare the toilet to receivesolid waste. In some other embodiments, the water level may not beselectable and may return to substantially the same level after everyflush.

Water is flushed from the tank 40 to dispose the contents of the bowl 20through the discharge pipe 30. More particularly, a siphon effect iscreated when a volume of water is quickly flushed from the tank 40 tothe bowl 20 such that the water level in the bowl 20 exceeds a maximumheight 30A of the discharge pipe 30. Two distinct “flush modes” arecontemplated. As described in more detail above, a first volume of watersuitable to dispose of liquid waste is flushed in the first flush modeand a second, greater volume of water suitable to dispose of solid wasteis flushed in the second flush mode. As will be described in more detailbelow, a user may select the second flush mode to prepare the toilet todispose of solid waste.

In particular, the second flush mode is typically selected by actuatingan actuator. In some embodiments, the second water level may also beselected by actuating the actuator. Furthermore, water is typicallyflushed responsive to the flush mode by actuating an actuator, which maybe a distinct or a common actuator. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator comprises a handle 80 that can be pivoted in first and secondopposite directions 80A, 80B (FIG. 1).

An overhead view of the tank 40 is illustrated at FIG. 2. The tankincludes a fill valve 50. The fill valve 50 regulates water flow intothe tank 40 from a water supply. The fill valve 50 typically includes oris in communication with a float (not shown), such that the water risesto a predetermined level in the tank 40 (for example, the water level40A seen in FIG. 1). The fill valve 50 is in fluid communication with arefill hose 60, through which water flows to a refill tube 70. Therefill tube 70 is in fluid communication with the bowl 20 such thatwater can flow from the tank 40 to increase the water level in the bowl20. In some alternative embodiments, a valve 72 within the tank 40allows water to flow from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 (e.g., to increasethe water level in the bowl 20).

In some embodiments, the first water level 20A is defined by the“residual” water left in the bowl after a flush, and therefore little tono water flows from the refill tube 70 (or the valve 72) to the bowl 20to establish the first water level 20A. In some other embodiments, arelatively small volume of water flows from the refill tube 70 (or thevalve 72) after a flush to establish the first water level 20A. In otherwords, in some embodiments, the first water level 20A may represent anincrease over the “residual” water left in the bowl 20 after a flush.

An exemplary toilet “default position” will now be described. In thedefault position, the bowl 20 can be filled with the relatively lowfirst water level 20A (FIG. 1) and the first flush mode can be employedsuch that a relatively low volume of water is flushed from the tank 40to the bowl 20 (for example, the water level in the tank may drop fromthe level 40A to the level 40B seen in FIG. 1).

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the handle 80 is attached to an actuatorarm 90. The actuator arm 90 is configured to move in a first direction90A (e.g., upward) and a second direction 90B (e.g., downward). Asillustrated, the actuator arm 90 moves upward in the first direction 90Awhen the handle 80 is pivoted downward in the first direction 80A (FIG.1). Adjacent the actuator arm 90 is a lever 100. The lever 100 ispivotably attached to a fixed body (e.g., a portion of the tank 40) at apivot 102. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, the actuator arm 90is positioned above the lever 100 in the default position. Thus, theactuator arm 90 moves away from the lever 100 as the actuator arm movesupward in the first direction 90A.

Attached to the actuator arm 90 is a partial flush chain 110. When thehandle 80 is pivoted downward in the first direction 80A, the actuatorarm 90 moves upward in the first direction 90A and the chain 110 ispulled upward. The chain 110 is attached to a small flap 120 (FIG. 2).Upward motion of the chain 110 pulls open the small flap 120 and a firstor default volume of water is released or flushed from the tank 40 tothe bowl 20. Therefore, a relatively small volume of water suitable fordisposing of liquid waste is flushed responsive to the toilet or tankbeing, in the first or default flush mode.

The toilet can be prepared for a solid waste use by actuating anactuator, such as the same actuator used to flush the toilet, forexample. In the illustrated embodiment, the toilet can be so prepared bypivoting the handle 80 upward in the second direction 80B (FIG. 1). Inthis regard, the toilet or tank is prepared to release or flush asecond, higher volume of water that is suitable to dispose of solidwaste (i.e., the second flush mode is selected). In some embodiments,the water level is the bowl 20 is also increased to a level suitable toreceive solid waste. For example, the water level in the bowl could beincreased from the level 20A to the level 20B as illustrated in FIG. 1.In some other embodiments, the water level in the bowl is not increasedin response to pivoting the handle 80 upward in the second direction.Thus, the water level in the bowl 20 may remain the same orsubstantially the same even though the second flush mode has beenselected. In these embodiments, the water level may be suitable forreceiving solid waste regardless of the selected flush mode.

Referring to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the actuator arm 90 isattached to a secondary arm 130 at a linkage 140. The secondary arm 130is configured to move in first and second opposite directions 130A,130B. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator arm 90 and thesecondary arm 130 each have an eyelet, with the eyelets coupled to formthe linkage 140. A refill chain 150 is attached to the secondary arm130. The chain 150 is attached to a refill flap 160 (FIG. 2).

In operation, when the handle 80 is pivoted upward in the seconddirection 80B, the actuator arm 90 moves downward in the seconddirection 90B, which causes the secondary arm 130 to move upward in thesecond direction 13013. The chain 150 is pulled upward causing therefill flap 160 to open. This allows additional water to flow from thetank 40 to the bowl 20 (and more particularly, in some embodiments, fromthe refill tube 70 to the bowl 20). The water level in the bowl 20 isincreased to the second water level 20B (FIG. 1), which is suitable toreceive solid waste. As described in more detail above, in someembodiments, the valve 72 is employed rather than the refill tube 70 toincrease the water level in the bowl 20. In these embodiments, actuatingthe actuator (e.g., pivoting the handle 80 upward in the seconddirection 80B) can actuate the valve 72 such that the water level inbowl 20 is increased to the second water level 20B. For example, theremay be one or more mechanisms (e.g., chains, linkages, etc.) connectingthe handle 80 or other actuator to the valve 72 or the handle 80 orother actuator may be electrically coupled to the valve 72 via acontroller, for example. The valve 72 may include a timer or other flowcontrolling device or element such that the water level in the bowl 20can be predictably increased to the second water level 20B.

As described above, in some embodiments, the water level in the bowl 20is not increased even though the second flush mode has been selected(e.g., the handle 80 has been pivoted upward in the second direction80B). In these embodiments, the toilet may not include variouscomponents described above, including the secondary arm 130, the linkage140, the refill chain 150, and the refill flap 160, for example.

The lever 100 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 4. The lever includesan end portion 104 that is pivotably attached to the remainder of thelever 100 at a hinge 106, which may be a spring hinge, for example. Thehinge 106 is configured such that the end portion 104 is biased towardthe configuration shown in FIG. 4; that is, the end portion 104 is“straightened out” and substantially aligned with the remainder of thelever 100. In this configuration, the hinge 106 allows the end portion104 to pivot in a downward direction 104B but not an upward direction104A. Movement of the actuator arm 90 in the downward direction 90Bforces the end portion 104 to pivot downward in the direction 104B.Eventually the actuator arm 90 slips past the end portion 104, at whichpoint the end portion pivots upward and “straightens out” due to thebiasing of the end portion 104 described above.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the actuator arm 90 is now positioned beneaththe end portion 104 of the lever 100, and the toilet is prepared for afull flush (i.e., the second flush mode has been selected). In theillustrated embodiment, one end of a full flush chain 170 is attached tothe underside of the lever 100. The other end of the chain 170 isattached to a large flap 180 (FIG. 2). When a user is ready to flush,the handle 80 is pivoted downward in the first direction 80A, whichcauses the actuator arm 90 to move upward in the first direction 90A.The actuator arm 90 contacts the underside of the end portion 104 of thelever 100, causing the lever 100 to pivot upward in direction 100B inthe “straightened out” configuration shown in FIG. 4. The partial flushchain 110 moves upward due to the upward motion of the actuator arm 90and the full flush chain 170 moves upward due to the upward motion ofthe lever 100. As a result, both the small flap 120 and the large flap180 are opened and water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20.

More specifically, a relatively large volume of water that is suitableto dispose of solid waste is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20responsive to the opening of the large flap 180. In the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 2, the small flap 120 overlies the large flap 180.The large flap 180 includes an opening 182 indicated by the dashed linesuch that the small flap 120 covers the opening 182 when the small flap120 is seated. Thus, when only the small flap 120 is opened for a smallor partial flush (i.e., in the first flush mode), water is flushed fromthe tank 40 to the bowl 20 via the opening 182, and the large flap 180remains seated. When the large flap 180 and the small flap 120 both openfor a large or full flush (i.e. in the second flush mode), water isflushed from the tank to the bowl via an opening 184 at the bottom ofthe tank 40, as indicated by the dashed line.

The volumes of water flushed during a small flush and a full flush canbe controlled in a variety of ways. For example, the openings 182 and184 may be sized and configured to allow for a small and large flush,respectively. The small flap 120 may be opened and the relatively smallarea defined by the opening 182 may permit only a relatively smallvolume of water to flow from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. The large flap180 may be opened and the relatively large area defined by the opening184 may permit a larger volume of water to flow from the tank 40 to thebowl 20.

In some embodiments, flapper valves such as the small flap 120 and thelarge flap 180 can remain open until the buoyancy force on the flap isno longer sufficient for the flapper to remain in its lifted state.Flapper valves that have reduced buoyancy such that they close beforethe entire volume of the tank is flushed have been described in, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,289,594 and U.S. Patent Application PublicationNo. 2008/0271233, the disclosure of each of which is hereby incorporatedherein in its entirety. Therefore, in some embodiments, the small flap120 may have reduced buoyancy such that it closes after only a partialvolume of water in the tank 40 is flushed to the bowl 20 in the firstflush mode. In contrast, the large flap 180 may include an air pocket orother means to increase its buoyancy. When the large flap 180 is opened,it forces the small flap 120 to remain open due to the increasedbuoyancy of the large flap 180 and a larger volume of water, such assubstantially all of the water in the tank 40, may be flushed during afull flush in the second flush mode.

In some other embodiments, one or more timers can control the amount ofwater that flows from the tank 40 to the bowl 20. For example, thetimer(s) may open the small flap 120 for a period of time to allow forthe first volume of water to be flushed in the first flush mode and thetimer(s) may open the large flap 180 for a longer period of time toallow for the second volume of water to be flushed in the second flushmode.

It is contemplated that the small flap 120 need not overlie the largeflap 180 in some embodiments; in other words, there could be a pair offlaps, which could be of the same or different sizes, with each flapoverlying an individual opening at the bottom of the tank. One of theopenings could be sized and configured to flush the first volume ofwater in the first flush mode and the other of the openings could besized and configured to flush the second volume of water in the secondflush mode. Alternatively, one or both flaps could be controlled by atimer or could have reduced buoyancy such that varying amounts of waterare flushed depending on which flap is opened.

In still other embodiments, the tank 40 could include a smallersecondary tank that encloses a first valve, such as a flapper valve. Thefirst valve could be configured to open in the first flush mode suchthat only the volume of water in the secondary tank is flushed from thetank 40 to the bowl 20. A second valve, such as a flapper valve, couldbe housed within the tank 40 but outside the secondary tank. The secondvalve could be configured to open in the second flush mode such that agreater volume of water is flushed from the tank 40 to the bowl 20 (thefirst valve could also open releasing the water in the secondary tank inthe second flush mode).

Referring again to FIGS. 3-5, the actuator arm 90 continues to force thelever 100 upward in direction 100B until the actuator arm 90 is nolonger positioned beneath the end portion 104. At this point, the lever100 moves downward in the direction 100A such that the actuator arm 90is once again positioned above the lever 100 and the end portion 104, asshown in FIG. 3. For example, once the actuator arm 90 is no longerpositioned beneath the end portion 104, the lever 100 may move downwardin the direction 100A due to gravity or, in some embodiments, the pivot102 may bias the lever 100 in the downward direction 100A. Because theactuator arm 90 is positioned beneath the lever 100, the defaultposition is once again established after the full flush.

Therefore, embodiments of the present invention allow a user to use atoilet in a default position, wherein a first or default water level anda first flush mode are employed. When appropriate, the user can selectthe second flush mode (i.e., prepare for a full flush) by actuating anactuator. In some embodiments, the user can also select a second, higherwater level by actuating the actuator. The user can then flush thetoilet by actuating either a distinct or the same actuator, with theamount of water flushed dependent on the selected flush mode. Where theuser selects the second water level and/or the second flush mode andsubsequently flushes, the toilet can automatically revert to the defaultposition (e.g., the first water level and/or the first flush mode can beautomatically selected).

It is contemplated that at least some of the various mechanismsdescribed above (such as the actuator arm 90, the secondary arm 130, thelever 100, and the chains 110, 150, 170) can be integrated with orattached to an elongated member or “bridge” within the tank 40. Forexample, the bridge may extend from inside the tank 40 adjacent thehandle 80 to the refill tube 70. The bridge may also extend from a fixedpoint (e.g., the tank 40 adjacent the handle 80 or the refill tube 70)and cantilevered. Alternatively, the bridge could be mounted to the tank40, such as to the rear of the tank 40. In any event, the bridge couldinclude some of the aforementioned mechanisms or serve as a mountingpoint for the mechanisms.

Where the bowl 20 defines first and second water levels, it is furthercontemplated that the toilet can include a mechanism for adjusting thefirst water level in the bowl. Although the “residual” water level leftin the bowl after a flush may define the first water level, a user maywant to define a higher first water level for a variety of reasons(e.g., the residual water does not sufficiently seal the trap).Preferably, the mechanism provides for a one-time or relativelyinfrequent adjustment so as to not defeat the purpose of providing atoilet that requires minimal user input.

As described in more detail above, although a handle that is pivotablein opposite directions has been illustrated, other actuators arecontemplated. For example, the actuator could include a handle thatoperates similar to a standard toilet handle (e.g., pivotable in adownward direction to perform a flush), and the actuator could alsoinclude a button or the like that is either integrated with or separatefrom the handle and could be depressed to increase the water level inthe bowl and/or prepare the toilet for a large flush. This is just oneexample, and various combinations of one or more actuators areenvisioned.

Turning now to FIG. 6, a method of operating a toilet according to someembodiments of the present invention is illustrated. A toilet isprovided (Block 200). The toilet includes a bowl. The toilet alsoincludes a tank having first and second flush modes. A first volume ofwater is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the first flush mode, anda second volume of water greater than the first volume of water isflushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flush mode. The toiletalso includes a flush mode mechanism for selecting between the first andsecond flush modes of the tank. The flush mode mechanism is biasedtoward selecting the first flush mode. Optionally, the flush modemechanism can be actuated to select the second flush mode (Block 210).For example, the mechanism can be actuated before the toilet is to beused for solid waste, or during use of the toilet if solid waste becomespresent, so as to prepare the toilet to release a higher volume of waterwhen it is flushed. Next, either the first or the second volume of wateris flushed from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flushmode (Block 220).

In some embodiments, the bowl defines first and second water levels,with the second water level higher than the first water level. Thetoilet may include a bowl water level mechanism for selecting betweenthe first and second water levels in the bowl. The bowl water levelmechanism may be biased toward selecting the first water level.Therefore, in some embodiments, optionally, the bowl water levelmechanism can be actuated to select the second water level in the bowlat substantially the same time as actuating the flush mode mechanism toselect the second flush mode (see Block 210). In other words, in someembodiments, the water level in the bowl remains the same orsubstantially the same even after the user selects the second flushmode; however, in other embodiments, the water level in the bowl may beincreased from the first water level to the second water level atsubstantially the same time as the second flush mode is selected.

Where used, in some embodiments, each of the flush mode and bowl waterlevel mechanisms is actuated by a distinct actuator. In some otherembodiments, the flush mode and bowl water level mechanisms are actuatedby a common actuator. The common actuator may be configured to beactuated in a first manner and a second manner that is different thanthe first manner. In this regard, the optional steps of actuating theflush mode mechanism (Block 210) and/or actuating the bowl water levelmechanism can be performed by actuating the actuator in the firstmanner, and the step of flushing either the first or second volume ofwater (Block 220) can be performed by actuating the actuator in thesecond manner. In some embodiments, actuating the actuator in the firstmanner comprises actuating the actuator in a first direction andactuating the actuator in the second manner comprises actuating theactuator in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. Insome embodiments, the common actuator is a handle pivotable in first andsecond opposite directions. The optional steps of actuating the flushmode mechanism (Block 210) and/or actuating the bowl water levelmechanism can be performed by pivoting the handle in the first direction(e.g., upward) and the step of flushing either the first or secondvolume of water (Block 220) can be performed by pivoting the handle inthe second direction (e.g., downward). As previously described, in otherembodiments the actuator(s) may be in a shape other than a handle andmay be actuated by any combination of actions including pushing,pulling, rotation, etc.

Turning now to FIG. 7, an alternative method of operating a toiletaccording to some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Atoilet is provided (Block 300). The toilet includes a bowl which candefine first and second water levels, with the second water level higherthan the first water level. The toilet also includes a tank having firstand second flush modes. A first volume of water is flushed from the tankto the bowl in the first flush mode, and a second volume of watergreater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank to thebowl in the second flush mode. The toilet can also include a first orbowl water level mechanism for selecting between the first and thesecond water levels in the bowl and/or a second or flush mode mechanismfor selecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank.Where used, the first or bowl water level mechanism is biased towardselecting the first water level and the second or flush mode mechanismis biased toward selecting the first flush mode.

In the illustrated embodiment, a user can select between the first waterlevel or the second water level in the bowl (Block 310). Morespecifically, the user can select the second water level by actuatingthe first or bowl water level mechanism. A user can also select betweenthe first flush mode and the second flush mode (Block 320). Inparticular, the user can select the second flush mode by actuating thesecond or flush mode mechanism. Either the first volume of water orsecond volume is flushed responsive to the selected flush mode (Block330). Next, the first water level in the bowl and the first flush modesare automatically selected (Blocks 340 and 350). Where used, the first(or bowl water level) and the second (or flush mode) mechanisms may beactuated by individual actuators or may be actuated by a commonactuator, such as a pivotable handle, for example, as described in moredetail above.

Although the steps illustrated at Blocks 300-350 indicate a bowl havingfirst and second water levels wherein the second water level isuser-selectable, other embodiments are contemplated. For example, thebowl may fill to the same or substantially the same water level afterevery toilet use and only the second or flush mode mechanism may beemployed. In other words, the first or bowl water level mechanism may beomitted and the second or flush mode mechanism can be actuated to selectthe second flush mode and, after flushing, the first flush mode can beautomatically selected.

The foregoing is illustrative of the present invention and is not to beconstrued as limiting thereof. Although exemplary embodiments of thisinvention have been described, those skilled in the art will readilyappreciate that many modifications are possible in the exemplaryembodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings andadvantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this invention as defined inthe claims. The invention is defined by the following claims, withequivalents of the claims to be included therein.

1. A method of operating a toilet, the method comprising the steps of:providing a toilet including: (a) a bowl; (b) a tank having first andsecond flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from thetank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume ofwater greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank tothe bowl in the second flush mode; and (c) a flush mode mechanism forselecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, whereinthe mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flush mode;optionally actuating the flush mode mechanism to select the second flushmode; and flushing either the first volume of water or the second volumeof water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flushmode.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the bowl defines first andsecond water levels, wherein the second water level is higher than thefirst water level, and wherein the toilet includes a bowl water levelmechanism for selecting between the first and second water levels in thebowl, the bowl water level mechanism being biased toward selecting thefirst water level, the method further comprising: optionally actuatingthe bowl water level mechanism to select the second water level in thebowl at substantially the same time as optionally actuating the flushmode mechanism.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the bowl water levelmechanism is actuated by a first actuator and the flush mode mechanismis actuated by a second actuator that is different than the firstactuator.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein the bowl water level andflush mode mechanisms are actuated by a common actuator.
 5. The methodof claim 4, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated ina first manner and a second manner that is different than the firstmanner, wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuatingthe flush mode mechanism comprise actuating the actuator in the firstmanner, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or thesecond volume of water comprises actuating the actuator in the secondmanner.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein the common actuator isconfigured to be actuated in first and second opposite directions,wherein actuating the bowl water level mechanism and actuating the flushmode mechanism comprise actuating the actuator in the first direction,and wherein flushing either the first or the second volume of watercomprises actuating the actuator in the second direction.
 7. The methodof claim 4, wherein the common actuator comprises a handle pivotable infirst and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the bowl waterlevel mechanism and actuating the flush mode mechanism comprise pivotingthe handle in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the firstor the second volume of water comprises pivoting the handle in thesecond direction.
 8. A method of operating a toilet, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing a toilet including: (a) a bowldefining first and second water levels, wherein the first water level issuitable for receiving liquid waste and the second water level is higherthan the first water level and suitable for receiving solid waste; (b) atank having first and second flush modes, wherein a first volume ofwater suitable for disposing of liquid waste is flushed from the tank tothe bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume of watergreater than the first volume of water and suitable for disposing ofsolid waste is flushed from the tank to the bowl in the second flushmode; and (c) a first mechanism for selecting between the first andsecond water levels in the bowl and a second mechanism for selectingbetween the first and second flush modes of the tank, wherein themechanisms are biased toward selecting the first water level and thefirst flush mode; selecting between the first water level in the bowland the second water level in the bowl, wherein selecting the secondwater level in the bowl comprises actuating the first mechanism;selecting between the first flush mode and the second flush mode,wherein selecting the second flush mode comprises actuating the secondmechanism; flushing either the first volume of water or the secondvolume of water from the tank to the bowl responsive to the selectedflush mode; then automatically selecting the first water level in thebowl by flowing water from the tank to the bowl; and automaticallyselecting the first flush mode.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein thefirst mechanism is actuated by a first actuator and the second mechanismis actuated by a second actuator that is different than the firstactuator.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first and secondmechanisms are actuated by a common actuator.
 11. The method of claim10, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated in a firstmanner and a second manner that is different than the first manner,wherein actuating the first mechanism and actuating the second mechanismcomprise actuating the actuator in the first manner, and whereinflushing either the first volume of water or the second volume of watercomprises actuating the actuator in the second manner.
 12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the common actuator is configured to be actuated infirst and second opposite directions, wherein actuating the firstmechanism and actuating the second mechanism comprise actuating theactuator in the first direction, and wherein flushing either the firstvolume of water or the second volume of water comprises actuating theactuator in the second direction.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereinthe common actuator comprises a handle pivotable in first and secondopposite directions, wherein actuating the first mechanism and actuatingthe second mechanism comprise pivoting the handle in the firstdirection, and wherein flushing either the first volume of water or thesecond volume of water comprises pivoting the handle in the seconddirection.
 14. A toilet comprising: a bowl; a tank having first andsecond flush modes, wherein a first volume of water is flushed from thetank to the bowl in the first flush mode, and wherein a second volume ofwater greater than the first volume of water is flushed from the tank tothe bowl in the second flush mode; and a flush mode mechanism forselecting between the first and second flush modes of the tank, whereinthe flush mode mechanism is biased toward selecting the first flushmode, and wherein the flush mode mechanism is configured to be actuatedto select the second flush mode; wherein the toilet is configured toflush either the first volume of water or the second volume of waterfrom the tank to the bowl responsive to the selected flush mode.
 15. Thetoilet of claim 14, wherein the bowl defines a first water level and asecond water level that is higher than the first water level, the toiletfurther comprising a bowl water level mechanism for selecting betweenthe first and second water levels in the bowl, wherein the bowl waterlevel mechanism is biased toward selecting the first water level, andwherein the first mechanism is configured to be actuated to select thesecond water level.
 16. The toilet of claim 15, wherein the bowl waterlevel and flush mode mechanisms are configured to be actuated by acommon actuator.
 17. The toilet of claim 16, wherein the common actuatoris configured to be actuated in a first manner and a second manner thatis different than the first manner, wherein the actuator is configuredto be actuated in the first manner to actuate the bowl water level andflush mode mechanisms, and wherein the actuator is configured to beactuated in the second manner to flush either the first volume of wateror the second volume of water responsive to the selected flush mode. 18.The toilet of claim 16, wherein the common actuator comprises a handlepivotable in first and second opposite directions, wherein the handle isconfigured to be pivoted in the first direction to actuate the bowlwater level and flush mode mechanisms, and wherein the handle isconfigured to be pivoted in the second direction to flush either thefirst volume of water or the second volume of water responsive to theselected flush mode.
 19. The toilet of claim 15, wherein the first waterlevel corresponds to a volume of less than about 1 liter.
 20. The toiletof claim 14, wherein the first volume of water is less than about 1.5liters.